News

A social worker, high school counsellor, grandmother and a crime busting duo revealed their everyday powers at Child Month’s Real Life Superheroes movie night.

The open-air event, staged by the Department of Children and Family Services’ Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) unit on Saturday, 25 May 2019, was at Gardenia Court in Camana Bay. The evening event attracted several young families. Social workers donned SW superhero capes and masks, as did one or two young movie goers.

Presenters Carol Robinson, Chris Murray, Paulette Hines and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Officers Jonathan Kern and Celesiah Burke gave brief presentations. Each presenter explained how their jobs qualified them to be seen as superheroes who helped individuals in need and were important for community wellbeing. The officers even brought one of the service’s electric all-terrain vehicles (ATV). They spoke of the contributions made by those who serve and the impact such jobs and roles have in making Cayman a place we can be proud to call home.

Mr. Murray, who has been a school counsellor for 14 years, said: “Shortly before arriving here, I asked a teenager why school counsellors can be classed as superheroes and they replied “…because they save lives” I couldn’t think of a better answer,”” he replied.

Social Worker Melissa Alexander was the event’s emcee and held a fire question and answer session with young moviegoers about the presentations. Those who answered correctly got prizes.

The screening of the animated LEGO movie followed.

“Our presenters were a representative sample of Cayman’s unsung heroes,” said MASH Social Work Manager Tiffany Myles.

“Their presentations were delivered to inspire and motivate our young people. These times are particularly critical for children in relation to their future career goals because we cannot anticipate the challenges today’s children will confront as grown-ups. Young people are turning their eyes to social media for examples of who they should be. Our event gave young moviegoers real-life superheroes in whose footsteps they can follow, to not only become upstanding citizens but to also give back to the community that is raising them,” she concluded.

During the intermission pizza, chips and beverages were given out. Children also had the opportunity to take pictures with the real-life superheroes and were given masks to wear. Following the screening children were given superhero goodie bags.